A beautiful lady and her dashing man vowing before God, family and friends to cherish one another forever can melt even the coldest heart. Too bad the sentiment doesn't always last.

With about 2.3 million weddings in the U.S. this year, according to the National Center for Health Statistics, couples need to think beyond the "I dos."

"Some couples spend as much as a year or more planning their wedding, but how much time do they spend planning for their life after the big day?" said Sam Goller, author of "Yes, You Can ... Achieve Financial Harmony" and contributor to the Web site YesYouCanOnline.info.

Many newlyweds have spent many of their adult years as singles, often living on their own. They've handled their own finances and done pretty much as they pleased. After they exchange vows, the "I" quickly becomes a "we," especially when it comes to money.

"Figuring out a fair and comfortable way to share responsibilities and expenses can be challenging," Goller said. "But it's essential for a healthy relationship. Couples should look at their monetary values and beliefs and work together to decide what type of system allows them to achieve their dreams as a couple."

The joint account, whether checking or savings, allows couples to combine all of their financial resources. This option can make life easier for some couples by centralizing the household finances. However, if one person is in charge of managing the account, the other person can feel left out of the financial picture. It also requires that both partners diligently share when they use funds out of the account.

Some couples prefer the autonomy of separate accounts. With this system both people are responsible for maintaining their own account, which may include paying some of the bills. If couples choose this option, Goller cautions that individuals may need to work harder to be equally involved in the financial relationship.

"Just because you have separate accounts, doesn't mean your financial decisions have separate consequences," Goller said. "You still need to meet on a regular basis and discuss how you are using your money to achieve your common goals."

A combination of joint and separate accounts is another viable alternative. This option allows both partners to contribute while maintaining their autonomy. Couples often determine a percentage of income that will be put in both the joint and separate accounts. Individual accounts can be used for personal purchases. The joint account can contain funds for bills and joint purchases. With a clear definition of who's paying which bills, couples can work together to bring financial balance and emotional harmony to the relationship.

Goller offers three basic guidelines to help young marrieds embark on their journey toward financial harmony:

Talk about what you want to accomplish. These kinds of goals aren't just about stuff, Goller said. Often how we handle money is similar to how our parents and their parents did. Do you want a big house? Do you want to contribute a sizable portion of your wealth to charity? Do you want to travel extensively? Do you want to completely fund your children's education?

Prioritize your goals. If you want all those things, what's most important? What's your one great passion?

Start living to support those values. You can't save up for a big house if you spend all your extra income on the latest electronic gadget or the hottest fashion fad. The most important goals are going to require sacrifices. And one of the easiest ways to reduce conflict is to think of the other person before you.

"Regardless of the financial style a couple chooses, communicating about finances is key," Goller said. "The more you discuss how and why you each spend money, the deeper and stronger your relationship will grow."

'MatriMoney' tips

If you opt for a joint checking account, take turns paying bills. That way both of you are familiar with your expenses and understand the work involved in keeping bills paid.

Even if you have separate bank accounts, have both names on each. In case of an emergency, either of you will be able to access the account.

A good time to review your financial goals is at tax time so you're sure to do it at least once a year.

Not all debt is bad. A home mortgage can actually work in your favor, especially if the value of your home is growing at a faster rate than the dollar is dropping.

Be cautious about buying the biggest or most expensive house in the neighborhood. The values of surrounding homes can impact your resale value.